Sen. Bailey bill to expand access to preventive cancer and cardiac screenings for firefighters and police officers sent to Governor’s desk
AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, June 25, the Maine Senate sent a bill from Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco, to the Governor’s desk. LD 784, “An Act to Create a Rebuttable Presumption Related to Specialized Risk Screening for First Responders,” would create an additional tool for first responders to have health insurance coverage for cancer and cardiac health risk screenings, expanding access to these screenings for first responders — including firefighters and police officers.
“With this bill, we are providing a tool for the courageous, heroic men and women who serve their communities — our homes — as firefighters, first responders and police officers,” said Sen. Bailey. “We cannot protect them from all of the hazards and risks that come with their occupations; it is dangerous work, after all. But we can help them identify health risks and screen for cancers or heart attacks, which untested, lead to bigger health problems and higher costs. I hope the health insurance companies will do the right thing and follow our lead.”
As amended, the bill would establish a rebuttable presumption in the case that a health insurance carrier failed to provide medically necessary care when denying a first responder coverage for a specialized health risk screening. It would not require health coverage for the screening, but it would shift the burden of proof from the first responder to the health insurance carrier in cases when the carrier denied coverage for a specialized preventive health risk screening. The first responder would have to appeal the denial, and, if the appeal failed, they would have the option to file a lawsuit against the carrier.
These appeals and lawsuits are separate from the process for filing a claim with the Workers Compensation Board, which does not provide compensation for preventive health care. Those claims are only for workplace injuries.
During the public hearing, Sen. Bailey shared the story (originally reported by Norah Hogan for WMTW Channel 8 News) of Saco Fire Department Firefighter Lt. Sarai Briggs. She is a mother of three who, knowing the elevated health risks associated with firefighting, was forced to pay out of pocket for the cost of a preventive cancer screening. Even though she had no symptoms, the test detected thyroid cancer. Her decision enabled her doctors to catch the cancer early and she is fortunately now cancer free. The preventative screening likely saved her life.
In that story, WMTW reported that firefighters are regularly exposed to at least 13 chemicals, including arsenic, asbestos and sulfuric acid, which cause cancer. WMTW also cited data from the American Cancer Society, which found that firefighters have a 9% higher risk for cancer compared to the general population. That risk is even higher for certain types of cancer, like non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and prostate cancer.
LD 784 now goes to the Governor’s desk for her signature.
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